The McPherson’s Building at 546-566 Collins Street (Reid & Pearson, in association with Stuart Calder, 1936/7) is a classic streamline moderne building, characterised by horizontal lines and featuring terracotta faience and black vitrolite. It was recently sold and it was feared that only the facade would be retained. However, we are delighted that the new owners intend to maintain its …

Apartments in the Art Deco tower at the former Russell Street Police HQ are now being marketed and a display apartment has been set up on the ground floor, featuring some very fine Deco flourishes. At the same time, work has commenced on the restoration of the exterior.

Freemasonry Victoria are proceeding with their proposal to erect two large apartment towers at the site of the Stephenson & Turner hospital in Clarendon Street, East Melbourne, and this proposal is attracting great opposition from local residents. However, the development will retain the Art Deco hospital building.

We are delighted to report that the future of the classic Art Deco Russell Street Police Complex now seems to be assured. For some time ADS and other heritage bodies have been involved with discussions with Melbourne property developer, Max Moar, and his architects over the plans for the redevelopment of the site, called Concept Blue. Mr Moar has a …

There are two fine little sports pavilions in Princes Park, one of which has recently been converted to a cafe/function room. While two of the three stylised iron doors have been removed, they have been replaced with brickwork identical to that in the rest of the building.

A few years ago, ADS and Maryborough residents, led by Lauris Weir, fought a major battle to preserve Victoria’s best Art Deco swimming pool. The subsequent listing by Heritage Victoria resulted in funds being made available to the local council for restoration works, which have commenced and are being monitored closely by our ‘eyes and ears’ in Maryborough, the indefatigable …